Crack Chicken Tenders

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Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor? These Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crave-worthy dish—featuring juicy chicken coated in a rich cream cheese and ranch blend, smothered in cheddar, and crusted with crispy bacon and breadcrumbs. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving up party food, these irresistible tenders will disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Combines cheddar, bacon, ranch, and cream cheese in one dish

• Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters

• No frying required—oven-baked and crispy

• Pairs beautifully with dipping sauces or side salads

• Easy to scale for gatherings, game days, or potlucks

Ingredients Breakdown

Main:

• Chicken tenders

Cheesy Ranch Coating:

• Cream cheese

• Ranch dressing

• Cheddar cheese

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt & black pepper

Crunchy Crust:

• Crispy bacon bits

• Breadcrumbs

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

• Extra ranch for dipping

Tips and Tricks:

• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing

• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs

• Add a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce

• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs

• Great for meal prep—reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture

Variations and Customizations:

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the coating

• Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor

• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes for a crispy finish

• Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds

Pairing Suggestions:

Serve Crack Chicken Tenders with:

• Crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Coleslaw or a crisp garden salad

• Dipping sauces: Ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or buffalo

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat: Bake or air fry at 350°F until heated through

• Freeze: Flash-freeze uncooked tenders on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months

Popular Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! Simply cut chicken breasts into strips and follow the same steps.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Bake just before serving.

What dipping sauces go best with Crack Chicken?

Ranch, spicy mayo, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard are all fantastic choices.

Crack Chicken Tenders

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with ranch and bacon flavor, these oven-baked chicken tenders are seriously addictive. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or snacking!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup ranch dressing

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup crushed crispy bacon bits

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

• In a medium bowl, combine:

  • Cream cheese

  • Ranch dressing

  • Shredded cheddar

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • Salt and pepper

• Mix until smooth and well blended

Step 3: Prep the Chicken

• Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels

• Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tender

Step 4: Coat with Bacon & Breadcrumbs

• In a separate shallow bowl, mix together:

  • Crushed bacon bits

  • Breadcrumbs

• Press each coated chicken tender into the mixture to fully cover

Step 5: Bake

• Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and coating is golden brown and crispy

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley

• Serve hot with extra ranch dressing or dipping sauce of your choice

Notes

• Make a double batch—these disappear fast!

• You can crush store-bought cooked bacon or use real bacon crumbles for best results

• Perfect for game day, family dinners, or party appetizers

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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